Angels add needed arms in Blanton, Burnett

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – After two quiet days at the winter meetings, Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto reached two deals in a matter of hours Wednesday, including one that surprised the industry and might have taken them out of the market for Zack Greinke.

The Angels agreed to terms with left-handed reliever Sean Burnett on a two-year, $8 million contract, then they agreed with right-hander starter Joe Blanton on a two-year, $15 million deal. Both deals are pending physicals. Both deals contain options for a third year.

Burnett, quietly one of the better left-handers in baseball over the past few years, had been one of the Angels' rumored targets as they continued to add depth to a bullpen that now looks to be much improved over the group that was a weakness last season.

The surprising move was picking up Blanton. He has been a consistently durable starter throughout his career, pitching at least 175 innings in seven of the past eight years, but he has posted a 4.79 ERA since 2010. Blanton, who turns 32 next week, began last season with the Philadelphia Phillies and finished with the Dodgers.

Dipoto would not comment on the Blanton deal because it's not official, but indications from the within the organization are the Angels will continue to shop for another starter. They believe they are in a stronger negotiating position now that they don't have a glaring hole in their rotation.

But the money paid to Blanton makes it seem unlikely Greinke could fit.

Including Blanton, Burnett and the projected salaries of the unsigned players, the Angels payroll sits at around $140 million. Greinke's price tag is said to be around $25 million a year. Last year, the Angels payroll was about $160 million.

The Angels perhaps could still afford one of the second-tier starters, such as Brandon McCarthy or Shaun Marcum. Dipoto said earlier in the day they had been in contact, at some level, with just about every starter on the market.

If the Angels don't get anyone else, they believe that Blanton gives them six legitimate starting candidates. Jered Weaver, C.J. Wilson, Tommy Hanson and Blanton would be in the rotation, with Garrett Richards and Jerome Williams fighting for the No. 5 spot.

"I think we're going to have a strong rotation with or without Zack," Manager Mike Scioscia said earlier Wednesday, before the Blanton deal. "Naturally we'd like Zack to be part of it because we saw where he was and what he did for us last year, but if it plays out that way ... there are some names that Jerry is in negotiations with that hopefully are going to make our rotation what it needs to be."

While the Angels will be hoping that Blanton can reverse his recent career trend, they would be thrilled if Burnett simply continues to do what he has been doing.

Burnett, 30, had a 2.38 ERA with the Washington Nationals last season. Over the past four seasons, he has a combined ERA of 2.85.

"He goes out and attacks," Dipoto said. "He's tough to pick up (for the hitter). He keeps the ball on the ground. He's a nice package for a left-hander. We are looking forward to potentially finalizing a deal and bringing him in, but there is still a little work to do."

The Nationals used Burnett primarily against left-handers — he averaged less than one inning per appearance — but not strictly as a one-batter pitcher. Lefties hit .211 against him and righties hit .298.

Burnett is the second significant addition to a bullpen that suffered 22 blown saves, tied for most in the league, in 2012. The Angels also signed Ryan Madson, most likely to be their closer. They will join holdovers Ernesto Frieri, Kevin Jepsen and Scott Downs.

"I believe this puts us in a stable position with our bullpen and gives us options," Dipoto said. "If we are able to finalize this with Sean, then we are in a pretty good position."